Internet Enabled Mobile Device for Home Control of Light, Temperature, and Electrical Outlets

ABSTRACT

Ubiquitous wall electrical sockets, switches, sensors, and other similar devices may be turned into intelligent units capable of being controlled by a mobile device and functioning smartly within an intelligent local or wide area network. Existing electrical outlets/switches could have an intelligent plug-in module to turn these hitherto passive outlets into active intelligent outlets and switches. An embedded RF controller may be extended to other sensors that would sense such things as light, temperature, and pressure, smoke, to name a few. The radio frequency controller consists of the transmit/receive function and the control function which includes the ability to turn the switch on and off. It is possible to assign a unique identification to each electrical outlet and each electrical switch to uniquely address and control these units using the mobile device.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation in part of U.S. applicationSer. No. 10/878,666 filed Jun. 28, 2004, which is a continuation of U.S.application Ser. No. 09/597,607 filed Jun. 20, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No.6,882,859 issued Apr. 19, 2005, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S.application Ser. No. 09/281,739 filed Jun. 4, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No.6,169,789 issued Jan. 2, 2001; the contents of all the above referencedapplications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

This disclosure relates generally to a Portable Electronic Device andMobile Device which may include the capabilities of a Cellular Telephone(CT), Wireless Device, and which may execute complex tasks previouslyresident on the personal computer, workstation, server, or a mainframecomputer; more particularly, the Mobile Device leverages the tremendouspower of both the Intranet and the Internet. Intelligent telephony,appliances, devices, and equipment will find increasing use in modernsociety. There is a need for one single universal, handheld,lightweight, transportable, intelligent device that can compute,command, and control all these intelligent devices.

The Mobile Device is lightweight and portable. The Mobile Deviceconsists of an optional built-in or external display, a microphone,speaker, high speed transmit/receive device, such as a modem, inaddition to a full function keyboard. The Mobile Device may haveadditional input/output ports for plugging in auxiliary devices such asa digital camera, printer, and other devices through either wired orwireless means. The Mobile Device has a transmitter, receiver, a digitalsignal processor(s), other processors, controller, display electronicsand audio/video electronics. These functional blocks may be implementedusing standard electronic, mechanical, or electromechanical componentsor custom electronic, mechanical, or electromechanical components bythose knowledgeable in the art.

The Mobile Device is able to leverage the computing power of the networkor local server to process data. The Mobile Device serves as a transmitand receive hub. Thus, the Mobile Device is able to access a network orlocal server or an intelligent peripheral device to perform anyoperation or function.

The Mobile Device is able to transmit data inputted by the user to thenetwork or local server or other devices for further processing. A usermay input data into the Mobile Device by typing on the keyboard,inputting voice or sound through the Mobile Device's speaker, touchingthe screen of the display on the Mobile Device, using a mouse thatinterfaces with the Mobile Device, using a pen that interfaces with theMobile Device, or through another method or device that interfaces withthe Mobile Device. This data and commands generated by the Mobile Devicemay be sent to the local network server or other devices for furtherprocessing. The Mobile Device is able to retrieve data processed by thelocal or network server or other devices. The Mobile Device can thenperform further processing or output this data through the optionaldisplay, the speaker, or another device that interfaces with the MobileDevice.

Multiple intelligent equipment, intelligent appliances, televisions,printers and other devices can be accessed by a single Mobile Device ormultiple Mobile Devices either through a local/network server ordirectly. Unique addressing identification of each intelligent device,sequencing of instructions, execution of commands will be performed viaa common set of protocols and procedures that reside on a local ornetwork server or on other intelligent devices.

Multiple Mobile Devices may coexist in an environment to access a commonset of intelligent equipment, intelligent appliances, televisions,printers, and other devices. Multiple Mobile Devices will operate inthis common environment without conflict by leveraging a common set ofprotocols that reside on the local or network server and the MobileDevice.

The Mobile Device with a built-in transmit/receive device, may accessstandard telephone lines or other communication lines to communicatewith other intelligent devices that may be either resident locally orlocated across an Intranet or the Internet. This two way communicationmay be either wired or wireless. The Mobile Device has the ability todial-up and connect with a communication line or another intelligentappliance. The Mobile Device may also work in tandem with other modemsand transmit/receive devices that may exist in other appliances or workwith a central host modem or transmit/receive unit.

The Mobile Device combines transmitting and receiving information,performing standard computing functions through use of a network orlocal server, interacting and commanding many intelligent peripheraldevices around the home or office through wired or wireless means,telephony, handwriting recognition, barcode creating, reading andprinting; magnetic stripe creating, reading and printing; electronicmail, which may include audio, text/graphics, and video; mass storagedevice and display features, video input/output, imaging, audioinput/output, voice mail capability, voice synthesis, languagetranslation with text to voice and voice to text capability built intoone multi-function device.

The Mobile Device may also serve as a base station or individual stationfor telephony able to operate with a built-in or detachable handset. Itcan also operate with multiple telephones and handsets. In this mode,the Mobile Device can convert voice to text, text to voice, or voice tovoice in the same language or in another language. With the largecomputing/processing power of the local or network server thepossibility to conduct live conversation in same or two or moredifferent languages is feasible. Also text transcription of voiceconversations and the reverse is possible. The Mobile Device may alsoinclude the option to have the keys in its keyboard be inscribed inBraille for individuals that are visually impaired. The Mobile Devicemay be limited to some or all of the features described above or mayinclude all the features described above based on the options desired bythe user.

In this age of the Intranet and the Internet, there is a trend for thecomputing power and software protocols to move away from the userlocation, such as the personal computer, to the local server/networkserver. The Mobile Device may use the local server/network server toperform complex operations, such as language translation. In addition,the Mobile Device may have some language translation capability residentin itself via language translation modules that may be easily plugged inand out of the Mobile Device.

The Mobile Device for the first time integrates currently availablefunctions such as transmitting keystrokes to a computing device withtransmitting and receiving information, performing standard computingfunctions through use of a network or local server, interacting andcommanding many intelligent peripheral devices around the home or officethrough wired or wireless means, telephony, handwriting recognition,barcode creating, reading and printing; magnetic stripe creating,reading and printing; electronic mail, which may include audio,text/graphics, and video mass storage device and display features, videoinput/output, imaging, audio input/output, voice mail capability, voicesynthesis, language translation, with text to voice and voice to textcapability, and other high speed communication features that may beeither wired or wireless. For example, the Mobile Device can interactwith various intelligent peripherals and appliances, through eitherwired or wireless means, to print, scan, fax, copy or perform otherfunctions.

SUMMARY

An aspect of the disclosure is to enable the basic Mobile Device, whichpossesses the electronics and computing power to transmit data to andreceive data from either a network server (the network server can be aPC) or intelligent peripheral or intelligent appliance through eitherwired or wireless means, to serve as a transmit and receive hub. Usingthe computing power resident on the network server a user can performall standard computing functions from the Mobile Device. The MobileDevice has a transmitter, receiver, a digital signal processor,controller, display electronics and audio electronics which areavailable as chips. These chips may be standard integrated circuits orcustom built. There can be a modem or a transmit/receive device builtinto the Mobile Device. This modem or transmit/receive device canoperate through either wired or wireless means.

Another aspect of the disclosure is to enable the Mobile Device tointeract and command many intelligent peripheral devices around the homeor office through either wired or wireless means and thus serve as auniversal keyboard. By using the processing power of the network server,the Mobile Device can assign an identification number to each peripheralor appliance. With this unique identification number and the processingcapability of the network server, the Mobile Device can then controlthat particular appliance or peripheral. All the appliances andperipherals will subscribe to the same protocols such that they will beable to communicate with each other and be able to execute instructions.The intelligent appliances and Mobile Devices may operate with a commonOperating System that may be either proprietary or an industry standard.

Yet another aspect of the Mobile Device System is to enable acommunication and control scheme of intelligent appliances andperipherals using the Mobile Device. The Central multichannelmultiplexing transmit/receive device may receive inputs from the localintelligent appliances and route these inputs to the networkserver/outside world. Conversely, the Central multichannel multiplexingtransmit/receive device may receive inputs from the outsideworld/network server and route these inputs to the local intelligentappliances. The Central multichannel multiplexing transmit/receivedevice is also able to facilitate communication between the localintelligent appliances. The Central multichannel multiplexingtransmit/receive device or functional block may have multiple input andoutput channels, such that sequential/simultaneous addressing andcommunication with numerous intelligent appliances and communicationpaths is possible. The Mobile Device is one element that would serve asa universal keyboard/command, compute, and control unit within thisenvironment. It is anticipated that the Central multichannelmultiplexing transmit/receive device would exist in each home/officeenvironment to facilitate the overall scheme described in this MobileDevice system. The Central multichannel multiplexing transmit/receivedevice may be built in multiple configurations. The Central multichannelmultiplexing transmit/receive device may be configured with the desirednumber of input and output channels. The Central multichannelmultiplexing modem can be implemented by those knowledgeable in the artutilizing the electronic functional blocks described in this MobileDevice system. The Central multichannel multiplexing transmit/receivedevice may work in tandem with an embedded transmit/receive device thatmay exist in each intelligent appliance. Thus, there may exist withinthe home/office environment a hierarchy of transmit/receive devices:

1. An embedded transmit/receive device may exist in each intelligentappliance.

This embedded transmit/receive device may have multiple inputs/outputsfacilitating communication between other intelligent appliances and thecentral transmit/receive device or directly with the outside world.

2. A central transmit/receive device that will exist in the home/officeenvironment such that it may communicate with numerous intelligentappliances and the outside world.

3. The ability to convert passive electrical outlets and switches thatcould communicate within this environment and be controlled by an MobileDevice or other means.

4. A universal Mobile Device that will facilitate the command, computeand control of all intelligent appliances and systems within thehome/office environment.

Another aspect of the disclosure is to enable the Mobile Device, whichhas a speaker and microphone to facilitate interaction between voicerecognition software resident on the network server and the MobileDevice. The Mobile Device is also capable of outputting sound. It isalso able to convert sound to data that can be transmitted to a networkserver. By using the voice recognition software resident on the networkserver, Mobile Device can convert text data into voice and broadcastvoice through a speaker mechanism.

Another aspect of the disclosure is to enable the Mobile Device'sdisplay to send data to and receive data from the network server. Thisdisplay is capable of showing text, graphics or other data.

Another aspect of the disclosure is to enable the Mobile Device totransmit inputs from either the keypad, display or voice inputs (sound)picked up from the microphone to the network server or intelligentperipheral or intelligent appliance for processing (through either wiredor wireless means). Thus, one may either send data to software residenton the network server or intelligent peripheral or intelligent appliancethrough the keypad, through voice commands, or through the display bytouching the screen.

Another aspect of the disclosure is to enable the Mobile Device toreceive and transmit information through a modem, a telephone line, anethernet line or other form of data communication. These inputs andoutputs are then processed by a network server or local server and arerelayed back to the Mobile Device and/or the display. The Mobile Devicecan use its modem to transmit data to and receive data from a networkserver or “intelligent” peripheral or appliance through either wired orwireless means. In this scenario, the network server may perform anycomputation that is necessary. Intelligent peripherals and applianceswill interact with the Mobile Device through either wired or wirelessmeans.

For example, wireless communication may be achieved through either radiofrequency, in which line of sight is not required, or through infrared,in which line of sight is required. For wireless operation, a radiofrequency transmit/receive device or functional block can be built intothe Mobile Device. The radio frequency transmit/receive device orfunctional block allows the Mobile Device, which uses the computingpower of the network server, to interface and control other intelligentperipherals or intelligent appliances. The radio frequency modem can beeither single or multi-channel. This means that the radio frequencytransmit/receive device or functional block which is built into theMobile Device can receive all of its input from the Mobile Device or itcan receive many different inputs from various intelligent appliancesand peripherals simultaneously. The radio frequency may be in any rangethat is FCC approved, including spread spectrum.

Another aspect of the disclosure is to enable the Mobile Device to beconnected to a local area network or wide area network, including theInternet, through either wired or wireless means, to receive inputs oftext and/or voice and to send outputs of text or voice depending on theuser's choice. Voice sent to a network server could be stored as a datafile.

Another aspect of the disclosure is to enable the Mobile Device to workin tandem with a network server to receive text or voice data andprocess these inputs for audio output. The primary computingpower/protocols and software reside on the server.

Voice includes spoken, as well as, other audio and or audible tonesinclusive of music/sound.

Another aspect of the disclosure is to enable the Mobile Device to haveoptions and attachments added to it. For instance, the Mobile Device canhave more processing power such that it can perform basic computationsand will not have to directly communicate with the network server toperform certain functions. For example, Mobile Device can possess moreprocessing power so that it can assign an identification number tovarious appliances and peripherals, recognize various appliances andperipherals and so that it can assign instructions for these appliancesand peripherals to execute. Additionally, other features such as datastorage can be added to the Mobile Device. A module or storage devicecan be built into the Mobile Device to record and store data and voice.For example, this can be accomplished by using a PCMCIA card. The MobileDevice can also be connected to a mouse, CD-ROM, printer, CRT/TV byeither wired or wireless means. As an option a scanner may interfacewith the Mobile Device so that documents can then be sent to the networkserver for further processing.

An aspect of the disclosure is to enable a user to use voice commands toaccess the Internet and at the same time command intelligent peripheralsand appliances through either wired or wireless means.

Another aspect of the disclosure is to combine transmitting andreceiving information, performing standard computing functions throughuse of a network or local server, interacting, and commanding manyintelligent peripheral devices around the home or office through wiredor wireless means, telephony, handwriting recognition, barcode creation,reading and printing; magnetic stripe creating, reading and printing;electronic mail, which may include audio, text/graphics, and video; massstorage device and display features, video input/output, imaging, audioinput/output, voice mail capability, voice synthesis, languagetranslation with text to voice and voice to text capability, and otherhigh speed communication features that may be either wired or wirelessinto one device.

Yet another aspect of the disclosure is to enable a user to translatevoice in one language to text or voice in another language. This can beaccomplished either by using language translation modules which fit intothe Mobile Device or by using the software capabilities of the local ornetwork server. The output can be in audio, display/video format or theMobile Device can command an intelligent peripheral such as a printer toconvert this output into hard copy format.

Yet another aspect of the disclosure is to enable a user to translatetext in one language to text or voice in another language. This can beaccomplished by either using language translation modules which fit intothe Mobile Device or by using the software capabilities of the local ornetwork server. The output can be in audio, display/video format, or theMobile Device can command an intelligent peripheral such as a printer toconvert this output into hard copy format.

Yet another aspect of the disclosure is to enable users to communicatewith and command the Mobile Device remotely, through either the Internetor through a data communication line such as a telephone line.

Still another aspect of the disclosure is to enable a user to commandthe Mobile Device through voice commands. As an example, a user coulddictate a message to the Mobile Device in any language.

Yet another aspect of the disclosure is to enable the Mobile Device tobe able to interact with other intelligent peripherals or intelligentappliances. This could involve, for instance, interacting with anintelligent television to output the keystrokes that are typed on theMobile Device.

Yet another aspect of the disclosure is to enable the Mobile Device tointeract with other devices through either wired or wireless means.

Still another aspect of the Mobile Device is to enable the device towork in conjunction with a local or network server to receive text,voice, or other data and process these inputs for either editing, audio,video, and other data output.

A feature of the Mobile Device is to use the computing power of thelocal or network server to perform complex tasks. As an example, a localserver may be a personal computer.

Another unique feature of the Mobile Device is that it has a built-incommunication functional block such as a high speed transmit/receivedevice. This high speed transmit/receive function enables the MobileDevice to access the network at very high data rates that are necessaryin order to transmit and receive data from other devices or from thenetwork. The ability to transmit/receive may reside within the keyboardor be external to it. This access to the Internet, the Intranet, cablenetwork, wireless network, or other networks may be via wired orwireless means. As an example, the Mobile Device may receive/transmitthrough a wireless satellite network. It is anticipated that manyintelligent appliances will have a common transmit/receive function thatwould operate under common industry standards and protocols. Thesestandards would apply both for the hardware and the softwareimplementation. These transmit/receive functional blocks will be part ofthe hardware of many intelligent appliances/devices.

Another unique feature of the Mobile Device is that it could serve asthe base station or as a handset for telephony with the ability tooperate with multiple telephone handsets. This will enable the user totransmit and receive using voice and selectively display as needed. Thetelephony may be either wired or wireless.

In accordance with another feature of the disclosure the Mobile Devicemay have options and other devices added on to it. For example, extradata/mass storage devices can interact with the Mobile Device. This willallow local archival of confidential and sensitive messages and data,while at the same time will enable the user to access certain types ofdata since it is resident locally rather than on the network.

Another unique feature of the Mobile Device is that it can take inputsof written word or spoken word and output a synthesized voice throughits speakers. The database that contains the intonation and phoneticcharacter of the voice can reside either in specialized modules whichfit into the Mobile Device, or on the local or network server, or on theMobile Device itself. Various synthesized voices can be selected rangingfrom your own to someone else's. As an example, you could record someselected sounds and it would recognize your voice patterns andsynthesize it. This allows text to be outputted as speech in your ownvoice or another voice.

Another aspect of the disclosure is to enable the Mobile Device tocapture images from books, blackboards, white boards, paper easelboards, and other displays to either print, process, transmit, or storefor future use. As an example, the Mobile Device may have an imagecapture capability through a digital camera. The image capturecapability may either be built-in, or be in an optional attachment or bepart of a peripheral device that works in tandem with the Mobile Device.In this scenario, the Mobile Device can digitize the text/drawings orother information displayed on a book, sheet of paper, blackboard, whiteboard, paper easel, or other forms of display for archival, furtherprocessing, or transmission via a network to other locations/devices.

Another aspect of the disclosure is to enable the Mobile Device to useits digital camera, which can be an attachment or can be built into theMobile Device, to digitize an image. This image can then be converted toeither voice or text. As an example, if the digital camera took adigitized image of a page in a book which might be inconvenient to scanin through a page-feed scanner, as opposed to a flat-bed scanner, itcould then convert this image into text and store this as a textdocument, process this information further, could convert the image intovoice for further processing, or output the voice through the speakers.

Another aspect of the disclosure is to automatically add subtitles/textto a video clip, which may be displayed continuously or frame by frame.The Mobile Device converts the voice from the video clip into text andis able to display this text/subtitle on a CRT or display in any ormultiple languages. As an example, this option would be of great benefitto individuals who are hearing impaired. Another example of the benefitof this textual display is the ability for those watching a movie in onelanguage to hear the sound in that language but view the text/subtitleson the screen in a different language.

Another aspect of the disclosure is to recognize alpha-numeric text tocreate barcodes. The Mobile Device can also read barcodes to createalpha-numeric text. With a barcode reader attachment which may be wiredor wireless the Mobile Device serves as a vehicle either to printbarcode labels or to store the digitized barcode information for furtherprocessing.

Another aspect of the disclosure is to enable the Mobile Device to serveas a point of sale terminal that can read magnetically coatedinformation from credit cards. In this configuration, the Mobile Devicewill have a built-in feature or an external attachment where a creditcard can be swiped across a reader that would be able to readmagnetically coated information from the credit card for transmission,verification, transaction, and confirmation. The Mobile Device, as anexample, may be used in stores to conduct transactions. By interacting,and commanding an intelligent printer, the Mobile Device would be ableto print. It is also anticipated that the Mobile Device would be able tofacilitate home banking, home shopping via this feature with the abilityto provide printed receipts or storage of relevant information on alocal and/or network server.

Another aspect of the disclosure is to enable a user to inputhandwritten text in any specific language and have the Mobile Deviceoutput text in the same or another language in a standardized format inany font for either display, transmission, or further processing. TheMobile Device can perform the reverse operation of convertingstandardized text in any specific language to handwritten text in thesame or a different language. It is anticipated that independent thirdparties would develop handwriting pattern recognition algorithms basedon sampling and digitizing various types of handwriting patterns in aspecific language with the object of creating a lookup table that wouldprovide a corresponding standardized textual equivalent. These types ofhandwriting recognition databases may be created for English and allother languages with a textual equivalent in each language.Cross-linking of these different handwriting language databases allowsfor language translation of handwritten text into the same language oranother language's textual equivalent. As a result, it is also possibleto have the conversion of handwritten text in one language tohandwritten text in another language. If the user desires to use his ownhandwriting for output, the user can input a sample document of hishandwriting to the Mobile Device. The Mobile Device can then store thehandwriting pattern and various handwritten letters of the alphabet in alook-up table or database. The Mobile Device can use this database andoptical character recognition/handwriting pattern recognition algorithmsto output a text document in the user's handwriting. It is also possibleto convert handwritten text into voice and the reverse process of voiceinto handwritten text in the same or a different language. The software,protocols, handwriting recognition algorithms and databases to performthis function may reside in the Mobile Device or on a local or networkserver which the Mobile Device interacts with.

Another aspect of the disclosure is to provide complete portability suchthat the Mobile Device can be used locally or globally. A Mobile Devicemay be personalized and used anywhere in the world by plugging into acommunication line to access various intelligent appliances and devices.

Another aspect of the disclosure is to enable handheld personalcomputers and other similar portable or desktop devices to incorporatesome or all of the features claimed for the Mobile Device.

Another aspect of the disclosure is that an embedded multichanneltransmit/receive device or functional device may be incorporated intovarious intelligent appliances including a handheld PC. The embeddedtransmit/receive function allows the communication among variousintelligent appliances and is configured to work in tandem with aCentral multichannel multiplexing transmit/receive device.

Another aspect of the disclosure is that a Central multichannelmultiplexing transmit/receive device will be an integral part of a localor wide area network working as a central controller or communicationsserver. In this capacity, it is able to control a number of intelligentclient appliances within its local sphere of control or Radio Frequency(RF) range. In this capacity as a communications server this unit unlikea PC or other standard servers may not have full range of computingcapabilities but a limited set that enables it to serve in sequencingand scheduling the transmit/receive functions.

Another aspect of the disclosure is to define a transmit/receivefunctional block that can be single input or multiple input with eithera single or multiple outputs that may be accessed sequentially orsimultaneously. Conceptually the transmit/receive functional block maybe executed in two forms: 1) as an embedded transmit/receive functionthat would reside in an intelligent appliance or device 2) as a centralmultichannel multiplexing unit that could work in association with anumber of embedded transmit/receivers, to schedule and sequencecommunication traffic.

Another aspect of the disclosure is that the embedded transmit/receivefunction and the central multichannel multiplexing transmit/receivefunctional block concept can be executed at a printed circuit boardlevel or as a multichip single package or as a single chip monolithic ICsolution. This solution can be an integral part of every intelligentappliance, personal computer, servers, and other devices to enableintelligent appliances to communicate within a local or wide areanetwork or across the Internet.

Another aspect of the disclosure is to enable the ubiquitous wallelectrical sockets, switches, sensors, and other similar devices to beturned into intelligent units capable of being controlled by the MobileDevice and functioning smartly within an intelligent local or wide areanetwork. This is accomplished by an embedded radio frequency controller.The functional block level concept for executing this radio frequencycontroller as a single chip monolithic IC solution is outlined.

The disclosure, aspects and features thereof will be more readilyapparent from the following detailed descriptions and appended claimswhen used in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a system level input/output configuration block diagram of theMobile Device. In addition to its normal keyboard functions, display,and other features, the Mobile Device has the ability to interface witha telephone line, to other networks, to ethernet or to other datacommunication paths, either by wired or by wireless. Note that allarrows on FIG. 1 can signify either wired or wireless data communicationpaths. The Mobile Device may have a built-in embedded transmit/receivedevice/function or may interface with an external transmit/receivedevice either of which may be wired or wireless, either radio frequencyor infrared. The input/output functions of the Mobile Device describedin this figure can be executed by those knowledgeable in the art andreduced to actual practice.

FIG. 2 is a detailed block diagram of the Mobile Device that highlightsthe display, telephony, transmit/receive function, and other specializedfunctions which can be implemented as hardware and/or software by thoseknowledgeable in the art and reduced to practice.

FIG. 3 is an embedded transmit/receive function diagram that describesone of the possible schemes and detailed functional blocks that would bepart of an embedded transmit/receive function. It is anticipated thatmany intelligent appliances will have an imbedded transmit/receivefunction that complies with established industry standard hardware andsoftware protocols that are expected to emerge. The figure showsmultiple inputs and multiple outputs that would allow each intelligentappliance to sequentially/simultaneously interface with more than oneintelligent appliance or Mobile Device. The Mobile Device itself is anintelligent device that would have the same embedded transmit/receivefunction.

FIG. 4 is a simplified block diagram showing a method to transmit,receive and identify that would allow the coding of information,transmitted by an intelligent device such that this information receivedby another device can be decoded and identified to its unique sourcefrom which the data was transmitted.

FIG. 5 shows a global scheme of how multiple intelligent devices and theMobile Device coexist in an office/home environment with each other, thePC/server, the network server, and the outside world. This drawing showsa central multichannel multiplexing transmit/receive device that is ableto receive inputs from various intelligent appliances and channel therouting and transmission for efficient communication between variousintelligent appliances. Note that all lines represent either radiofrequency paths, infrared paths, or another form of wired or wirelessdata communication.

FIG. 6 shows how the central multichannel multiplexing transmit/receivedevice/function could be implemented as a hardware system in a box or asan integrated system level silicon solution in the form of a singlechip/multi-chip single packaged integrated circuit. Many combinations ofinputs and outputs are possible as shown in FIG. 6. Note that thetransmitter/receiver may be either wired or wireless.

All the figures are for illustrative purposes and the number of inputsand outputs is not to be construed as limited by the examples shown inthe Figures. In addition, the feature of programmation provides foradded flexibility. Further, each of the input/output channels could behardwired designed or software programmable to interface with varioustypes of input/output data communication lines.

FIG. 7 shows how the ubiquitous electrical outlet and the electricalswitch could be made to be intelligent by having an embedded radiofrequency controller. The embedded radio frequency controller allows theMobile Device and or/other intelligent appliances to efficiently andintelligently interact with the electrical outlet and the electricalswitch. The electrical wiring may serve as an antenna. By extension thisconcept may be applied to other appliances that are either active orpassive. In addition, the existing base of electrical outlets/switchescould have an intelligent plug-in module to turn these hitherto passiveoutlets into active intelligent outlets/switches. The embedded RFcontroller may have programmable features built-in to provide addedoptions. Note that the antenna may be part of the intelligent electricalswitch or intelligent electrical socket or intelligent sensor or it mayuse the internal wiring of the house as an antenna.

FIG. 8 shows additional block diagrams of a Mobile Device incommunication with a network server using a MMTR. FIG. 9 showsadditional block diagrams of a Mobile Device in communication with aprinter. FIG. 10 shows additional block diagrams of a Mobile Device incommunication with an intelligent TV. FIG. 11 shows additional blockdiagrams of a Mobile Device in communication with multiple intelligentappliances. FIG. 12 shows additional block diagrams of a Mobile Devicein communication with devices using a local frequency and devices usinga outside line frequency.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to FIG. 1, the Mobile Device may have multiple inputs andoutputs which may be connected through either wired or wireless means.Additional inputs and outputs may be added as needed to make the MobileDevice a multifunction universal keyboard. The added features may beexternal or built-in.

Referring to FIG. 1, the Mobile Device may have an optional built inscanner mechanism such that the Mobile Device can be used as a handheldscanner. This built-in scan mechanism may be arranged along any edge ofthe Mobile Device to allow for page scanning, or other document scanningby dragging or sweeping the Mobile Device edgewise, across the document.The scanned images may be displayed on a built-in screen of the MobileDevice or transmitted for further processing/display on otherintelligent devices.

Referring, to FIG. 1, the Mobile Device may also have a built-in CD-ROMcapability with insertion/removal of CD along any edge of the MobileDevice. The compact disc diameter may vary and may be customized to asmaller diameter to fit into the Mobile Device and meet any sizeconstraints. Similarly, along another edge of the Mobile Device it ispossible to have a slot for a floppy disk drive or other ports.

Referring to FIG. 1, the Mobile Device may have a built-in microphoneand speaker to facilitate speaking directly into the Mobile Device as wenormally do into a telephone handset and also listening to its soundoutput. In addition, the Mobile Device may have optional attachments toprovide other standard telephony features.

Referring now to FIG. 2, the Mobile Device consists of a keyboard, adisplay, a microphone, a speaker, telephony, transmit/receive device,with optional input/output ports. The telephony feature may work eitherwith an intelligent telephone/base station or with a local or networkserver. Data may be inputted via the keyboard, a touch screen display,or through voice. Processing may be performed within the Mobile Deviceor by the local or network server or other intelligent devices.

Referring now to FIG. 3, illustrates the Central multichannelmultiplexing transmit/receive device, and the electronics/components ofthe Central multichannel multiplexing, transmit/receive device: an inputblock, receiver block, decoder block, input buffer block, inputcontroller block, processor block, data compression block, output bufferblock, output controller block, encoder block, and transmission block.Shown in this Figure are multiple inputs from various intelligentappliances and/or the Mobile Device. The input block consists ofmultiple channels that will route the data to the receiver. The receiverelectronics is capable of receiving data and identifying the source ofeach data packet. The receiver block is capable of receiving inputssimultaneously or sequentially from various sources. The data receivedfrom the receiver block may be in an encoded form in which case thedecoder block decodes the data for further processing. Simultaneousand/or sequential data packets from multiple sources are stored andqueued for further processing in the input buffer block. The inputcontroller block decides which packet of information needs to beprocessed next and sends the appropriate packet of data for furtherprocessing by the processor block. After the data is processed by theprocessor, it is now ready for transmission. However, to achieve highspeed transmission the data compression block compresses the data. Thedata is now stored in the output buffer block awaiting specificinstructions by the output controller block. The encoder block encodesthe packet of data such that it reaches the unique appliance or devicefor which it is intended. The transmission block transmits the data insequence to the intended appliance or device or for further processingvia a standard communication line or a RF data path. Those knowledgeablein the art can implement each of the specific functional blocksutilizing standard electronic components or custom components. Thesecomponents may be configured to perform parallel processing for variousdata streams. For example, when four channel capabilities are desired,four separate processor components may be used or a four channelmonolithic processor specifically designed for this purpose may be used.

Referring now to FIG. 4, this figure shows a simplified block diagram bywhich an identifying string could be attached to real data. Thisidentifying string will precede actual data transmission and will alsobe sent after the actual data transmission. In other words, packets ofreal data are embedded in between two identifying strings. Theseidentifying strings uniquely define the source of the data and thedestination of the data.

Thus the intelligent appliance sending the data is uniquely identifiedand the intelligent appliance receiving the data is uniquely identified.The periodicity at which the identifying strings could be appended toactual data will depend on the level of accuracy, security, and thespeed of transmission desired. The actual data may be encrypted. Theseprotocols ensure that the correct intelligent appliance is beingaddressed at all times. In addition, the user may be able to set aunique identification number and addressing sequence of his choice foreach intelligent appliance or device.

Referring now to FIG. 5, this figure shows a system level scheme thatdescribes the various communication and data paths between variousintelligent appliances, the central multichannel multiplexingtransmit/receive device, the local or network server, and the MobileDevice. When sending data, intelligent appliances and devices areexpected to subscribe to common, industry standard protocols thatestablish the identity of each intelligent appliance/device and theunique way to address each intelligent appliance/device. These protocolsensure that the correct intelligent appliance/device is being addressedat all times. In addition, the user may be able to set a uniqueidentification number and addressing sequence of their choice for eachintelligent appliance/device.

The Central multichannel multiplexing transmit/receive device mayreceive inputs from the local intelligent appliances and route theseinputs to the network server/outside world. Conversely, the Centralmultichannel multiplexing transmit/receive device may receive inputsfrom the outside world/network server and route these inputs to thelocal intelligent appliances. The Central multichannel multiplexingtransmit/receive device is also able to facilitate communication betweenthe local intelligent appliances. The Central multichannel multiplexingtransmit/receive may have multiple input and output channels such thatsequential and simultaneous addressing and communication with numerousintelligent appliances and communication paths is possible.

The Mobile Device is one element that would serve as a universalkeyboard/command and control unit within this environment. It isanticipated that the Central multichannel multiplexing transmit/receivedevice would exist in each home/office environment to facilitate theoverall scheme described in this Mobile Device system. The Centralmultichannel multiplexing transmit/receive device may be built inmultiple configurations. The Central multichannel multiplexingtransmit/receive device may be configured with the desired number ofinput and output channels. The Central multichannel multiplexingtransmitter/receiver can be implemented by those knowledgeable in theart utilizing the electronic functional blocks described in this MobileDevice system.

The Central multichannel multiplexing transmit/receive device may workin tandem with an embedded transmit/receive device that may exist ineach intelligent appliance. Thus, there exists within the home/officeenvironment a hierarchy of transmit/receive devices:

-   -   1. An embedded transmit/receive device may exist in each        intelligent appliance. This embedded transmit/receive device may        have multiple inputs/outputs facilitating communication between        other intelligent appliances and the central transmit/receive        device or directly with the outside world.    -   2. A central multichannel multiplexing transmit/receive device        that will exist in the home/office environment such that it may        communicate with numerous intelligent appliances and the outside        world.    -   3. The ability to convert passive electrical outlets and        switches that could communicate within this environment and be        controlled by an Mobile Device or other means.    -   4. A universal Mobile Device that will facilitate the command,        compute and control of all intelligent appliances and systems        within the home/office environment.

Referring now to FIG. 6, which describes a multichannel multiplexingtransmit/receive device, the transmit/receive controller electronicsblock diagram can be implemented by those skilled in the art with eitherstandard or custom electronics. The entire controller electronics may bea single chip integrated circuit. It is anticipated that all intelligentappliances would utilize this block diagram as a universal and requisiteembedded feature. This embedded transmit/receive function may come inmultiple configurations of inputs and outputs. In dual channelconfiguration, the multiplexing transmit/receive device has two inputsand two outputs. This will allow an intelligent appliance tosequentially or simultaneously be addressed by the Mobile Device foreither sequential or simultaneous output. Similarly, this same blockdiagram concept is executable for a Central multichannel multiplexingtransmit/receive device.

Referring now to FIGS. 3, 4, 5, and 6, the following examples serve todemonstrate the workings of the Mobile Device, intelligent appliances,and the central multichannel multiplexing transmitter/receiver:

Example 1

A telephone call may be initiated or received using the Mobile Device. Auser may activate the Mobile Device and put it into the telephony mode.Immediately, the Mobile Device is in RF communication with the centralmultichannel multiplexing transmitter/receiver located in the local areanetwork. The central multichannel multiplexing transmitter/receiver willconnect with the outside line and complete the connection. Let us say atsome point in the conversation the capability of the local server ornetwork server is desired. The Mobile Device can send a RF command tothe central multichannel multiplexing transmitter/receiver to bring theserver on-line and into the communication loop. The server may be usedto record the conversation or to have the conversation translated intoanother language using the extensive language translation capabilitiesresident on the local/network server. Conversations could be conductedin two or more languages.

Example 2

If at any time during the conversation a printout is desired anintelligent printer can be activated by the Mobile Device to initiateand execute the job. This is accomplished by sending an RF signal fromthe Mobile Device to the intelligent printer via the centralmultichannel multiplexing transmitter/receiver. The intelligent printeris now in the loop and is executing the tasks immediately or queuing andscheduling the task.

Example 3

The text, graphics, and video may be activated by the Mobile Device andviewed on a built-in screen or viewed on an intelligent TV screen bypatching the intelligent TV screen into the communication loop.

Example 4

Multichannel capability and the ability to multiplex the inputs/outputssequentially or simultaneously for use by a number of intelligentappliances is possible. This multichannel multiplexing capability mayexist within each intelligent appliance. The ability to incorporate thisfeature is driven by need and cost. The advantage is that this featureallows each intelligent appliance and the whole local area network to beused efficiently and effectively by allowing queuing and scheduling ofvarious tasks. The queuing and scheduling tasks is real time and theremay be different levels of queuing and scheduling capabilities residentin each intelligent appliance and the local area network.

Certain levels of queuing and scheduling capabilities may exist in theintelligent appliance, another level of capabilities may exist in thecentral multichannel multiplexing transmitter/receiver and yet anotherlevel of capability may exist in the local or network server. The levelof capability to queue, schedule, process, receive, and transmit datadepends on the number of input and output channels, the size of the databuffer and whether the inputs and outputs can be multiplexed. It is alsopossible to define and dedicate certain channels for various pre-definedor programmable tasks only. The embedded transmitter/receiver functionand the central multichannel multiplexing transmitter/receiver can bebuilt to have a combination of various input and output channels withand without multiplexing capability. The basic concept of how theseelectronic functional blocks can be executed at either the board levelor chip level is described. As an example, a quad-in and quad-outtransmitter/receiver can have one channel dedicated for telephony,another channel dedicated for TV, another channel for printers, and achannel for security or it is possible to have certain channelsmultiplexed for use by a number of intelligent appliances.

Example 5

The transmission/reception is within the FCC prescribed frequency domainfor intelligent appliances. The transmitter/receiver electronics and ICsare designed to conform to the prescribed standards. However, within thelocal or wide area network significant RF traffic from numerousintelligent appliances may be present with the potential for crosstalkand other problems. To avoid this crosstalk, packets of RF data sent byeach intelligent appliance are coded and transmitted in such a way thatperiodically there will be an identifying string of data that clearlydefines the source of the data and the destination. The periodicity ofthis identifying string data, the length and complexity of thisidentifying string data, and the encryption of actual data is driven bythe level of accuracy and the level of security desired. This ability toencode and decode identifying strings from each appliance allowsmultiple intelligent appliances to use the same RF frequency domain andco-exist within a local area network. The implementation of this conceptrequires the hardware described and a pre-defined set of softwareprotocols that may be either industry standard or custom.

Example 6

The central multichannel multiplexing transmitter/receiver may eitherconnect with the outside world through the wire or by wireless orsatellite means. It is possible that this central multichannelmultiplexing transmitter/receiver may communicate in one definedfrequency domain within the local or wide area network with allintelligent appliances that are part of this network and at a same ordifferent frequency domain with the outside world. By extension thereverse concept is also claimed. In this scenario, where there may be aneed for two different frequencies of communication thetransmitter/receiver electronics and chip level solutions can bedesigned to accommodate for this requirement.

Example 7

Referring now to FIG. 7, the figure consists of an intelligentelectrical outlet with a built-in radio frequency controller. The radiofrequency controller has the ability to receive inputs and transmitOutput such that the electrical outlet can be controlled by the MobileDevice or other means. The radio frequency controller consists of thetransmit/receive function and the control function which includes theability to turn the outlet on and off and perform other variable andprogrammable control functions. The radio frequency controller consistsof a receiver, a processor, controller, programmable logic, and atransmitter. The radio frequency controller electronics may beimplemented by those skilled in the art using, either standard or customelectronics. The entire controller electronics may be implemented as amonolithic single chip integrated circuit. A block diagram concept ofhow this embedded RF controller can be implemented at a chip level isshown in FIG. 7. The radio frequency controller can be incorporated onall new electrical outlets and switches to be made in the future suchthat they are all intelligent electronic outlets and intelligentelectrical switches. Alternatively, a plug-in module may be configuredto make existing electrical outlets and electrical switches intelligent.

Additionally, this concept of an embedded RF controller may be extendedto other sensors that would sense such things as light, temperature, andpressure, smoke, to name a few. The radio frequency controller consistsof the transmit/receive function and the control function which includesthe ability to turn the switch on and off. It is possible to assign aunique identification to each electrical outlet and each electricalswitch to uniquely address and control these units using the MobileDevice.

More detailed examples of the aspects of the present disclosure will nowbe described.

Example 8

FIG. 8 consists of three distinct blocks, Block 10 being the MobileDevice block, Block 20 being the Multichannel MultiplexingTransmitter/Receiver, and Block 30 being the Network Server, allconnected by wired or wireless means.

This example describes the use of the Mobile Device in the telephonymode. Telephony for voice or data transmission may be initiated byselecting the telephony mode on the Mobile Device. This may be activatedby voice or key command.

The telephony connection maybe wired or wireless. The connection iscompleted between the Mobile Device and the central multichannelmultiplexing transmit/receiver located in the loop. Thetransmitter/receiver in turn establishes a connection to an outside linefor either dialup or Internet access. In this mode, two-way voice ordata transmission may be conducted. In addition, specific advance use oflanguage translation capability may be brought online by connecting to anetwork server on which resides an extensive database capability totranslate from one language to another by recognizing the speechpatterns of either speaker. Using this database capability the networkserver is able to provide speech in any selected language at either end.As an example, a speaker conversing in English at one end may have hisspeech translated to Japanese at the other end. Similarly, the reversetranslation can be performed. The server could record the conversationsif desired by selecting a record feature.

Example 9

FIG. 9 consists of four distinct blocks, Block 10 being the MobileDevice block, Block 20 being the Multichannel MultiplexingTransmitter/Receiver, Block 30 being the Network Server, and Block 40being an Intelligent Printer, all connected by wired or wireless means.

In this example, a textual transcript of any telephonic conversationscould be generated in any selected language using the extensive mappingcapabilities for language translation resident on the network server.These features would provide real-time voice translation andtranscription capabilities. The text may be printed at either end in adesired language using an Intelligent Printer. Once the IntelligentPrinter is part of the loop, it may execute tasks immediately or queueand/or schedule the tasks.

Example 10

FIG. 10 consists of four distinct blocks, Block 10 being the MobileDevice block, Block 20 being the Multichannel MultiplexingTransmitter/Receiver, Block 30 being the Network Server, and Block 50being an Intelligent TV/Monitor, all connected by wired or wirelessmeans.

The text, graphics, and video may be activated by the Mobile Device andviewed on a built-in screen or viewed on an intelligent TV/monitorscreen by patching the intelligent TV/monitor screen into thecommunication loop.

Example 11

FIG. 11 consists of five distinct blocks, Block 10 being the MobileDevice block, Block 20 being the Multichannel MultiplexingTransmitter/Receiver, Block 30 being the Network Server, Block 42 beingan Intelligent Appliance/Device, and Block 44 being another IntelligentAppliance/Device, all connected by wired or wireless means.

Multichannel capability and the ability to multiplex the inputs/outputssequentially or simultaneously for use by a number of intelligentappliances is possible. This multichannel multiplexing capability mayexist within each intelligent appliance. The ability to incorporate thisfeature is driven by need and cost. The advantage is that this featureallows each intelligent appliance and the whole local area network to beused efficiently and effectively by allowing queuing and scheduling ofvarious tasks. The queuing and scheduling tasks is real time and theremay be different levels of queuing and scheduling capabilities residentin each intelligent appliance and the local area network.

Certain levels of queuing and scheduling capabilities may exist in theintelligent appliance, another level of capabilities may exist in thecentral multichannel multiplexing transmitter/receiver and yet anotherlevel of capability may exist in the local or network server. The levelof capability to queue, schedule, process, receive, and transmit datadepends on the number of input and output channels, the size of the databuffer, and whether the inputs and outputs can be multiplexed.

It is also possible to define an embedded transmitter/receiver functionwith multiple channels with and without multiplexing capability. Thebasic concept of how these electronic functional blocks can be executedat either the board level or chip level is described. As an example, aquad-in and quad-out transmitter/receiver can have one channel dedicatedfor telephony, another channel dedicated for TV, another channel forprinters, and a channel for security. As an option, specific channelsmay be multiplexed for use by a number of intelligent appliances.

In specific, referring to FIG. 11, the multichannel multiplexingtransmitter/receiver is described with four channels, one channel beingdedicated for two-way communication with the Mobile Device, anotherchannel dedicated for two-way communication with the network server, andtwo other channels each dedicated for two communication with twodifferent intelligent appliances. in this quad configuration, themultichannel multiplexing transmitter/receiver can interact with fourdifferent entities having the capability to schedule or process the datareal time. Similarly, each of the Intelligent Appliances/Devices mayhave some built-in capabilities for communication directly with theMobile Device or through the Multichannel MultiplexingTransmitter/Receiver.

Example 12

Once again referring to FIG. 11, it is possible for a uniqueidentification to be assigned to each Intelligent Appliance/Device tomaintain communication protocols. Intelligent Appliance/Device 1 wouldhave a specific beginning and ending code that uniquely identifies it.Whenever data is received by the Mobile Device or any other device onthe network it would be able to identify the source. If IntelligentAppliance/Device 1 has transmitted certain data the Mobile Device wouldidentify the source or the multichannel multiplexingtransmitter/receiver could queue or transmit the data to the uniquelydesignated appliance.

The wireless transmission/reception is within the FCC prescribedfrequency domain for intelligent appliances. The wirelesstransmitter/receiver electronics and ICs are designed to conform to theprescribed standards. However, within the local or wide area networksignificant RF traffic from numerous intelligent appliances may bepresent with the potential for crosstalk and other problems. To avoidthis crosstalk, packets of RF data sent by each intelligent appliancesare coded and transmitted in such a way that periodically there will bean identifying string of data that clearly defines the source of thedata and the destination. The periodicity of this identifying stringdata, the length and complexity of this identifying string data, and theencryption of actual data is driven by the level of accuracy and thelevel of security desired. This ability to encode and decode identifyingstrings from each appliance allows multiple intelligent appliances touse the same RF frequency domain and co-exist within a local areanetwork. The implementation of this concept requires the hardwaredescribed and a pre-defined set of software protocols that may be eitherindustry standard or custom.

Example 13

Referring to FIG. 12 which shows a block diagram of intelligent devicescommunicating within the network at a specific frequency of F_(local)and with the outside world via satellite transmitter receiver, indicatedas 12, at a different frequency of F_(outside).

The central multichannel multiplexing transmitter/receiver may eitherconnect with the outside world through the wire or by wireless orsatellite means. It is possible that this central multichannelmultiplexing transmitter/receiver may communicate in one definedfrequency domain within the local or wide area network with allIntelligent Appliances that are part of this network and at same ordifferent frequency domain with the outside world. By extension thereverse concept is also claimed. In this scenario, where there may be aneed for two different frequencies of communication thetransmitter/receiver electronics and chip level solutions can bedesigned to accommodate for this multiple frequency requirement.

Example 14

Referring now to FIG. 7, the figure consists of an intelligentelectrical outlet with a built-in radio frequency controller. The radiofrequency controller has the ability to receive inputs and transmitoutput such that the electrical outlet can be controlled by the MobileDevice or other means. The radio frequency controller consists of thetransmit/receive function and the control function including the abilityto turn the outlet on and off and perform other variable andprogrammable control functions. The radio frequency controller consistsof a receiver, a processor, controller, programmable logic, and atransmitter. The radio frequency controller electronics may beimplemented by those skilled in the art using either standard or customelectronics. The entire controller electronics may be implemented as amonolithic single chip integrated circuit

A block diagram concept of how this embedded RF controller can beimplemented at a chip level is shown in FIG. 7. The radio frequencycontroller can be incorporated on all new electrical outlets andswitches to be made in the future, such that they are all intelligentelectronic outlets and intelligent electrical switches. Alternatively, aplug-in module may be configured to make existing electrical outlets andelectrical switches intelligent. Additionally, this concept of anembedded RF controller may be extended to other sensors that would sensesuch things as light, temperature, and pressure, smoke, to name a few.The radio frequency controller consists of the transmit/receive functionand the control function including at a minimum, the ability to turn theswitch on and off. It is possible to assign a unique identification toeach electrical outlet and each electrical switch to uniquely addressand control these units using the Mobile Device.

Thus, while the disclosure has been described with reference to specificembodiments and applications, the description is illustrative of thedisclosure and is not to be construed as limiting the disclosure.Various modifications and applications may occur to those skilled in theart without departing from the true spirit and scope of the disclosureas defined by the appended claims.

1. The Mobile Device, may have the ability to communicate with otherintelligent devices and appliances through either wired or wirelessmeans. The Mobile Device system configuration may combine the standardkeyboard functions, display functions, transmit and receive functions,telephony functions, fax and scan functions, voice and speechrecognition functions, in addition to serving as a universal command andcontrol unit for appliances and devices that operate using electricalpower.

2. The system level configuration for the command and control ofmultiple intelligent appliances utilizing the Mobile Device, an embeddedtransmit/receive function that would exist within each intelligentappliance or device, and a Central multichannel multiplexingtransmit/receive device that would be part of a local or wide areanetwork within the home or office. A board level, multichip singlepackage and/or single chip monolithic integrated circuit implementationof the embedded transmit/receive function and the central multichannelmultiplexing function is also claimed. The Central multichannelmultiplexing transmit/receive device is capable of multiplexinginputs/outputs from a number of intelligent appliances/devices andcommunicating via the built-in transmit/receive function across variouscommunication paths and/or lines.

3. The system level configuration where the Mobile Device and theCentral multichannel multiplexing transmit/receive device can work intandem with a local or network server to perform various computing, dataprocessing, and data transmission functions, inclusive of text,graphics, audio, and video.

4. The basic Mobile Device has the electronics and computing power totransmit data to and receive data from either a network or local server,which may be a personal computer, or intelligent peripheral orintelligent appliance through either wired or wireless means. The MobileDevice may serve as a transmit and receive hub. Using the computingpower resident on the local or network server or other intelligentdevices, a user can perform all standard computing functions from theMobile Device.

5. The Mobile Device is a device with a speaker and is capable offacilitating interaction between voice recognition software resident onthe network server, local server, or on the intelligent appliance andthe Mobile Device. Mobile Device is capable of outputting sound. It isalso able to convert sound to data that can be transmitted to a local ornetwork server.

6. Mobile Device may have a built-in display or operate with an externaldisplay. This Mobile Device is capable of displaying data being sent toor received from the local or network server or other intelligentappliances. This display is capable of showing text, graphics or otherdata.

7. Mobile Device has a transmitter, receiver, a digital signalprocessor, controller, and display electronics and audio electronicswhich may be implemented with standard or custom components by thoseknowledgeable in the art. By using the voice recognition softwareresident on the local or network server, Mobile Device can convert textdata into voice and broadcast voice through a speaker mechanism.

8. There can be a transmit/receive functional block built into theMobile Device. The Mobile Device can operate through either wired orwireless means.

9. The Mobile Device need not have an operating system, but is capableof operating, with a built-in operating system or an operating systemresident on a local or network server or other intelligent devices.

10. The Mobile Device is capable of transmitting inputs from either thekeypad, display or voice inputs picked up from the microphone to thelocal server or network server or intelligent peripheral or intelligentappliance for processing, through either wired or wireless means. Voiceincludes spoken as well as other audio and/or audible tones inclusive ofmusic/sound. Thus one may either send data to software resident on thelocal server or network server or intelligent peripheral or intelligentappliance through the keypad on the Mobile Device, through voicecommands, through the display by touching the screen, through a penwhich interacts with the display, or through another device whichinterfaces with the Mobile Device.

11. Mobile Device is capable of taking input and output through atransmit/receive functional block, a telephone line, an ethernet line orother form of data communication. These inputs and outputs are thenprocessed by a local or network server and are relayed back to MobileDevice and/or the display.

12. Mobile Device can be hooked to a local area network or wide areanetwork, including, the Internet, through either wired or wirelessmeans, to receive inputs of text and/or voice and to send outputs oftext or voice depending on the user's choice. Voice sent to a local ornetwork server could be stored as a data file. Voice may be in anylanguage since the Mobile Device leverages the language capabilities ofthe local or network server.

13. Mobile Device may also work in tandem with a local or network serverto receive text or voice data and process these inputs for audio output.The primary computing power/protocols and software reside on the server.

14. The Mobile Device is capable of interacting and commanding manyintelligent peripheral devices around the home or office through eitherwired or wireless means and thus is a universal keyboard. By using theprocessing power of the local or network server, the Mobile Device canassign/reassign an identification number to each peripheral orappliance. With this unique identification number and the processingcapability of the local or network server, the Mobile Device can thencontrol that particular intelligent appliance or other peripheraldevices. The intelligent appliances will have programmation capabilityto set or change identification and encryption. This programmationcapability can be easily accessed and controlled by the Mobile Device.This will allow the Mobile Device to re-configure various intelligentappliances as needed by the user. All the appliances and peripheralswill subscribe to the same protocols such that they will be able tocommunicate to each other and execute instructions. A user may also usethe programmation capability of the Mobile Device to assign a passwordor other security measures, such as data encryption to a particularintelligent appliance. Thus, unauthorized control of intelligent deviceswill be prevented.

15. The Mobile Device can use its transmit/receive device to transmitdata to and receive data from a local or network server or intelligentperipheral or appliance through either wired or wireless means. In thisscenario, the local or network server will perform any computation thatis necessary. The transmit/receive can be either single or multichannel.This means that the transmit/receive device which is built into theMobile Device can receive all of its input from the Mobile Device or itcan receive many different inputs from various intelligent appliancesand peripherals simultaneously or sequentially.

16. Other features and options may be added to the Mobile Device. Forexample, the Mobile Device can possess more processing power such thatit can perform basic computations and will not have to directlycommunicate with the local or network server to perform certainfunctions. For example, Mobile Device may possess more processing powerso that it can assign an identification number to various appliances andperipherals, recognize various appliances and peripherals and so that itcan assign instructions for these appliances and peripherals to execute.Other features such as data storage can be added to the Mobile Device. Amodule or storage device can be built in to the Mobile Device to recordand store data and voice. For example, this can be accomplished by usinga PCMCIA card. Mobile Device can be connected to a mouse, electronicpen, CD-ROM, printer, CRT/TV by either wired or wireless means. As anoption a scanner may interface with the Mobile Device so that documentscan then be sent to the local or network server for further processing.Another option is to enable a printer to interface with the MobileDevice to print data locally.

17. The transmit/receive controller electronics block diagram, as shownin FIG. 6, can be implemented by those skilled in the art with eitherstandard or custom electronics. The entire controller electronics may bea single chip integrated circuit. It is anticipated that all intelligentappliances would utilize this block diagram as a universal and requisiteembedded feature. As described in FIG. 6, this embedded transmit/receivefunction may come in multiple configurations of inputs and outputs. Indual channel configuration, the multiplexing transmit/receive device hastwo inputs and two outputs. This will allow an intelligent appliance tosequentially or simultaneously be addressed by the Mobile Device foreither sequential or simultaneous output. In addition, it is possiblefor the multichannel multiplexing transmit/receive function to beincorporated on a mother board or a daughter board of a personalcomputer, server, or other computing/processing device.

18. The Mobile Device, the multiplexing transmit/receive device, and thesystem configuration and protocols described in this Mobile Devicesystem allow the Mobile Device to fully serve as a universal command andcontrol module. As an example, the Mobile Device can serve as atelephone. As another example, the Mobile Device can turn lights on andoff in a particular location of a house. As another example, the MobileDevice can accept voice input and through the Mobile Device's use of theprocessing power of the local server or network server or otherintelligent device, the Mobile Device can convert this voice into textfor printing by an intelligent printer. As another example, the MobileDevice may interact with a diversity of electronic equipment, such asgarage doors, security systems, printers, televisions, washing machines,ovens, stove tops, personal computers, and other electronic devices. TheMobile Device can have its own antenna.

19. The Mobile Device may have a keyboard configuration that provideseither a partial or a full function keyboard which can be folded orcollapsed to achieve a compact size and portability. The optionaldisplay, which may be built-in or external to the Mobile Device, mayalso be folded or collapsed to achieve a compact size and portability.The Mobile Device, unlike a personal digital assistant or handheld PC,need not have large computing and processing power built into it sinceit leverages its basic communication capabilities with the processingand computing power resident on the local or network server or otherintelligent devices.

20. The Mobile Device can command and control each and every electricaloutlet or switch through either wired or wireless means. Refer to FIG.7. Each electrical outlet and/or switch may be configured to have aradio frequency transmit/receive controller and associated electronicsbuilt into it which would enable the Mobile Device to communicate andcontrol each outlet and switch. The electrical outlet may have its ownantenna or it may use the wiring of the house as its antenna forcommunication with the Mobile Device and/or other devices. This can beaccomplished by having a unique identification number for each outletand switch which can be programmed by the user. The Mobile Device notonly addresses, commands, and controls intelligent appliances anddevices, it can also interface with each electrical outlet, electricalswitch, and sensors thereby controlling appliances and devices that maytraditionally not have had these intelligent functions built-in.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system comprising: a wireless enabledelectrical switch comprising: a housing, wherein the housing provides aplug point for a electrical appliance; a connection in the housing toA/C electrical power outlet; a wireless transmit and receive unit;wherein the electrical switch is identified by a unique identifier; andwherein the electrical switch is configured for control by a softwareapplication stored in a non-transitory computer readable mediumconfigured to run by a mobile device which comprises a touch sensitivedisplay, a processor, a memory, and a wireless transmit and receive unitfor wireless local area network (WLAN) and Internet Protocolcommunication.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the application isconfigured to control one or more electrical switches; wherein theapplication provides an option to turn an electrical switch on or off;and wherein the electrical switch is further configured to accept acontrol message from the application running on the mobile device. 3.The system of claim 1, wherein the application sends to the electricalswitch a command to turn the power on the electrical switch outlet on oroff.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the electrical switch isconfigured for remote access using Internet Protocol.
 5. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the electrical switch and mobile device are configuredto communicate using a local home wireless LAN.
 6. The system of claim1, wherein the switch is accessible using a wireless LAN networkutilizing a home airwave.
 7. The system of claim 1, wherein the switchis accessible using a public spread spectrum airwave.
 8. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the mobile device sends a request to change the stateof the electrical outlet using a local wireless area network.
 9. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the electrical switch is programmable withconfiguration settings.
 10. The system of claim 1, wherein theelectrical switch is programmable with configuration settings includinga default or built-in set of options stored in a memory housed in theelectrical switch.
 11. The system of claim 1, further comprising aserver, wherein the server tracks the state of each electrical switch byidentification number, wherein the server is configured to acceptmultiple connections from a plurality of mobile devices, and wherein theserver sends to the mobile devices the current on/off state of theswitch.
 12. The system of claim 1, further comprising an electricalswitch configured with at least one sensor, wherein the sensor isenabled to sense one or more of the following including light,temperature, pressure, or smoke.
 13. The system of claim 1, wherein theelectrical switch is modular, wherein the electrical switch contains twoor three prongs, wherein the electrical switch may plug in to anelectrical outlet, and wherein the electrical switch may be removed froma fixed position wall electrical outlet.
 14. The system of claim 1,wherein the electrical switch is integrated into a fixed position walloutlet.
 15. The system of claim 1, further comprising a multichannelmultiplexing transmit and receive device (MMTR) or access point (AP),wherein the electrical switch is configured to communicate to the mobiledevice using a MMTR or Access Point.
 16. A system comprising: a wirelessenabled electrical switch comprising: a housing configured with a plugpoint for an electrical device; a processor; a programmable logiccomponent; an antenna integrated into the housing; a radio integratedinto the electrical switch, wherein the radio is communicatively coupledto the processor, and wherein the radio is configured send a signalstream using the integrated antenna; and wherein the electrical switchis a separate modular switch that may be plugged into a fixed positionedwall outlet; and wherein the electrical switch is configured to receivea control message from a mobile device.
 17. The system of claim 16,wherein the electrical switch further comprises at least two prongs, andwherein the electrical switch may be connected to the wall outlet by theprongs plugged into a fixed position wall outlet.
 18. The system ofclaim 16, wherein the antenna is configured to send the signal stream toa multichannel multiplexing transmit and receive (MMTR) or access pointdevice.
 19. The system of claim 16, further comprising a portableelectronic phone device, wherein the portable electronic phone devicecommunicates data using a local server, wherein the portable electronicphone device communicates data to the electrical switch using InternetProtocol over a local wireless network.
 20. The system of claim 16,wherein the portable electronic phone device receives the identificationinformation for an electrical switch, wherein the portable electronicphone device sends to the electrical switch a control message via aserver, wherein the control message comprises an on or off command, andwherein the electrical switch changes the on or off state of the powerbased on the received command message from the portable electronic phonedevice.